Dale Cowley

Dale Cowley, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He directs the Animal Models Core Facility, specializing in genome engineering technologies including CRISPR/Cas9, transgenic animal production, and assisted reproductive techniques. His work focuses on creating genetically tailored mouse and rat models for studying human disease mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on improving efficiency for large gene insertions and 'humanized' models. Dr. Cowley holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in Oncological Sciences from the University of Utah. After postdoctoral training at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, he worked at GlaxoSmithKline before returning to UNC as a Research Assistant Professor. He co-founded TransViragen, Inc., as Chief Scientific Officer.

Research interests include optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 applications across diverse mouse strains (e.g., Collaborative Cross, NOD-Rag1KO-Il2rgKO), molecular biology techniques like BAC recombineering, and cryopreservation of genetic strains. His lab provides full-service genome editing solutions, encompassing guide RNA design, embryo microinjection, and ES cell targeting.

Recent publications (2020–2025) highlight contributions to viral pathogenesis models, retinal degeneration studies, and pharmacokinetics research using humanized mice. Collaborations have expanded model applications to fields like oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular development. Dr. Cowley’s work bridges basic research and translational medicine, supporting drug development and disease mechanism investigations.